Glorious Italy | 17 Days

DAY 1:                                   ROME – ASSISI – SIENA – FLORENCE

Make your own way to the hotel St. Martin. Depart at 7:15 am by a deluxe coach. You will arrive in Assisi, ready to explore, at your own leisure, this tiny town surrounded by walls, built in the Middle Ages. Take your time to visit the basilica of St. Francis, where you will see masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Continue to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the Palio, the historical horse race around the shell-shaped town square: Piazza del Campo. Next, continue to Florence for dinner and overnight. (D)

DAY 2:                                   FLORENCE

After breakfast, spend the day venturing around beautiful Florence, the “Cradle of Renaissance”, where, with the help of Michelangelo, Italian art reached its pinna­cle. Based on Etruscan-Roman origins, the city flourished in the Middle Ages and was further refined during the Renaissance. You will be fascinated by the uncountable monuments, churches, and buildings such as Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly referred to as the Duomo. On your visit, you will be amazed by its mag­nificent dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi. Cross a small piazza to see the “Campanile” tower (partly designed by Giotto) and the Baptistery, with its bronze doors where Mi­chelangelo imagined the “Gates of Paradise.” In the heart of the city, you will see Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), and the Basil­ica of Santa Croce. Lunch in a typical Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. Spend the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence on your own. Overnight Florence. (B, L)

DAY 3:                                   FLORENCE – BOLOGNA – PADUA – VENICE

After breakfast in Florence, departure to Bologna. Discover the elegant city centre with its “porticos”, it’s shopping streets and so on. From Piazza Mal­pighi, walk to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Mag­giore (Neptune square and Major square) in the heart of the city, then King Renzo’s Palace; Palazzo Podestà and the basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world. Bologna is a real gourmet heaven…don’t miss a tasty meal at your own leisure! In the afternoon, contin­ue toward Padova, with Sant’Antonio Basilica: one of the most visited churches by pilgrims of the catholic world. Later in the afternoon, arrival in Venice (Mestre) for overnight. (B)

DAY 4:                                   VENICE

After breakfast, transfer to Piazza San Marco and visit the most iconic places of the “Floating City”: the Palazzo dei Dogi, symbol of Venice’s glorious past, and the legendary “Bridge of Sighs”. After the walking tour, allow us to treat you to a spritz or a prosecco as a delightful conclusion to your visit to the highlights of Venice, in the company of your tour leader. While you sit comfortably and savour your drink, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the famous “cicchetti,” a Venetian variation of tapas (light lunch). Spend the afternoon roaming along Venice’s canals at your leisure and then return to the hotel for overnight. (B, L)

Day 5:                                   VENICE – MONTEPULCIANO – ROME

After breakfast, departure from Piazzale Roma to Tuscany, famous for its landscapes, churches and castles, and its delicious wines. Proceed to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its “Nobile” wine, Montepulciano also hosts an annual Jazz and Wine Festival every July. Lunch in a typical restaurant included. In the evening, you will arrive in Rome for overnight. (B, L)

DAY 6:                                   ROME

After breakfast, between 7:45-8:00 am, depart from the hotel for a tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Square with our exclu­sive “Skip the Line” access. No stress to reach the area: upon arrival, your guide will lead you into the museums where you’ll visit one of the most important art collections of the world. Walk along the beautiful Galleries of Tapes­tries and Geographical Maps before admiring Raphael’s Rooms and then, the amazing Sistine Chapel. After this incredible masterpiece, the tour ends in St. Peter’s Square where you can admire the incredible masterpiece St. Pe­ter’s Basilica: the biggest church in the world. The tour ends in St. Peter’s Square. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city at your own leisure. Overnight Rome. (B)

DAY 7:                                   ROME

Enjoy breakfast, the day is at your own leisure to explore the city of Rome. (B)

DAY 8:                                   ROME – NAPLES – POMPEII – SORRENTO

After breakfast, pick up from your hotel at approximately 7:00 am. Depart by coach, heading south crossing the regions of Lazio and Campania. Arrive in Naples and enjoy a short panoramic tour climbing up to Vomero hill to enjoy beauti­ful views over the Gulf of Naples with the Vesuvius, Capri, Ischia and Procida and the city below; time to take some nice pictures. Descending towards the port of Mergellina you will leave the city and travel south towards Mount Ve­suvius. Once you reach the town of Pompeii, you will have lunch, enjoying a real Neapolitan pizza. After lunch, enter one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Pompeii, with Skip the Line entrance and a guided tour. Visit the haunting ruins of Pompeii, travelling back in time to the tragic days in 79 AD when the silent Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, covering the prosperous Roman city in deadly volcanic ashes and poisonous gases, leaving this prosperous city crystallized until our days. You’ll learn how people lived at that time, visiting houses and “bars” of the time, admiring frescoes and mosaics, imagining how rich and prosperous the city was before the dreadful day. After the visit, you will drive along the Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento for dinner (dress code: jacket for men). Overnight in Sorrento. (B, L, D)

DAY 9:                                   SORRENTO – CAPRI – SORRENTO

After breakfast, depart on an excursion to the island of Capri: one of the most exclusive summer desti­nations of the Mediterranean. Depending on weather and sea conditions, you will admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the island at your own pace. Once back on the mainland, return to Sorrento for overnight. (B,D)

DAY 10:                                SORRENTO – PALERMO – AT SEA

After breakfast, morning is at leisure to explore Sorrento. In the afternoon, depart for the port of Naples where to board the Tirrenia/Snav ferry to Paler­mo. Overnight is on board the ferry. (B)

DAY 11:                                PALERMO

Arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. That night, have dinner in the hotel. (D)

DAY 12:                                 PALERMO – MONREALE – PALERMO

After breakfast, depart on a morning excursion to Monreale, re­cently included on the UNESCO World Her­itage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits, as well as its fine Norman architecture. Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and then en­joy some shopping. Return to Palermo for a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town, hearing tales of Palermo’s 3,000-year history and discovering attractions like Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside the im­pressive-looking place of worship and marvel at its arches, cupolas, and mosaics with an incredible mix of influences coming from several dominations on the island. Enjoy some free time in the late afternoon. Overnight Palermo. (B, D)

DAY 13:                                 PALERMO – ERICE – MARSALA – AGRIGENTO  

Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a me­dieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the village since the sixth century, and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble. Continue to visit the Saline, an extraordinary lagoon, where history, nature, and archaeology find a perfect synthesis and allow the visitor to try different, unique and charming experiences. Afterwards, we’ll set off to Marsala whose lands are known for its Marsala wine. Visit a traditional tavern and taste region­al products during a light but unforgettable lunch. Continue to Agri­gento. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples, a UNE­SCO World Heritage site, and learn about ar­chaeological relics. Overnight Agrigento. (B, L, D)

DAY 14:                                 AGRIGENTO – RAGUSA

After breakfast, travel to Ragusa and visit the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches. Together with seven other cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei, and then walk to Piazza Pola where we will visit the church of San Giuseppe. Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory, and the magnificent Cosentini Palace, one of the most interesting Late Baroque palaces in Sicily. Overnight Ragusa. (B, D)

DAY 15:                                 RAGUSA – NOTO – SIRACUSA – TAORMINA

After breakfast, travel to Noto, a pic­turesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit the Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after an earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town’s centre. Continue along the south coast to Siracusa, located on Sicily’s southeastern tip. Upon arrival, cross one of the city’s bridges for a visit to the island of Ortigia, the most ancient part of Siracusa, home to a wealth of Ba­roque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina for overnight. (B, D)

DAY 16:                                TAORMINA – MT. ETNA – TAORMINA

After breakfast, depart for Mount Etna, the largest ac­tive volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black mag­ma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800 m). After, return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro. Spend the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight Taormina. (B)

DAY 17:                                 TAORMINA

After breakfast, the tour ends. End of our services. (B)

Accommodation (or similar):

ROME: San Martin Hotel, Diana Roof Garden Hotel

FLORENCE: Hotel Raffaello

VENICE (MESTRE): Delfino Hotel, Tritone Hotel, Anthony Hotel, or Indigo Sant’ Elena (on Venice island if supplement is purchased)

SORRENTO: Michelangelo Hotel, Grand Hotel Vesuvio

PALERMO: Mercure Hotel

AGRIGENTO: Della Valle Hotel

RAGUSA: Poggio del Sole Hotel

TAORMINA: Hotel Splendid

Includes:

–          Transportation by deluxe motorcoach

–          English speaking tour escort

–          Accommodation in 4 stars hotels

–          Meals as per itinerary

–          Entrance tickets to the archaeological site in Pompeii with “Skip the Line”

–          Entrance tickets to Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica with “Skip the Line”

–          Visit of Rome, Florence, Venice, Pompeii, Capri, Palermo, Agrigento, and Siracusa with local expert guide

–          Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites in Sicily 

–          Visit of the Blue Grotto in Capri 

Not Included:

–          Tips

–          Porterage service

–          Drinks

–          Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned

–          City tax for overnight stays (according to each city council rules)

–          Everything that is not mentioned in “Includes”

Things to Note:

–          Accommodation is subject to change without notice. Every effort is made to avoid hotel changes but should a mid-tour hotel change become necessary after this list has been printed, contact details of the new hotel will be supplied to you by your Tour Director.

–          Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.

–          Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.

–          Tour can be a combination of regular tours, therefore coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.

–          For operational reasons, order of itinerary and/or excursions is subject to change at any time. Optional excursions not specified in our itinerary will be suggested by the tour leader.

–          A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.

–          Venice accommodation is in Mestre on the mainland. A supplement applies for accommodation on Venice island which is to be requested at the time of booking.

–          During peak season, visiting the Blue Grotto in Capri may involve long lines and limited capacity. If access is not possible, or the weather conditions do not allow it, our guides will suggest alternative attractions to ensure a satisfy­ing and memorable tour (e.g., Faraglioni rocks).

–          In case of bad weather conditions, the boat trip will be replaced with the visit inside to the mill “Mulino Ettore e Infersa”